Tommy Butler

[Fr. Murphy]

Tommy butler has been given a free transfer by Sunderland.

Taken from Sunderland's website.

Chris Brown has been given Thomas Butler's No 20 shirt. Butler's absence from Sunderland's squad towards the end of last season led to supporters questioning the player's status within the club.

A club spokesperson said: "Unfortunately the club is unable to comment on the situation as it is a legal matter and, for this reason, the details must remain confidential. What we can confirm, however, is that Thomas left the club's employment last season."

[Sheridan]

Once again, get in there, Roddy! Thomas is good Ballymun lad and a decent player. Although the last thing we need is a trip to contract/registration hell, which seems to be brewing here.

[Slash/ED]

I've heard he's given up football, not sure how true that is though. It's a shame to see how low he's gone, as a kid he had all the potential in the world to be a mainstay in the Ireland senior team.

[drummerboy]

Obviously his problems are injury related. He only made his debut for Ireland less than 2 years ago. Maybe Sunderland are looking for their insurance money and have given up on him ever recovering.

[dynamo kerry]

Obviously his problems are injury related. He only made his debut for Ireland less than 2 years ago. Maybe Sunderland are looking for their insurance money and have given up on him ever recovering.
that seems a little innocent

the statement sounds quite a bit more ominous

come on home tommy lad - plenty of good clubs to play for